Stories by David Appell

Gravitational Observatories Hunt for Lumpy Neutron Stars

New data reinforces the notion that these exotic stellar corpses are among the universe’s most perfect spheres

The Supercollider That Never Was

The Texas-based high-energy accelerator would have easily found the Higgs and been capable of searching for still more evidence of new physics

Space Elevator Enthusiasts Push On despite Lengthy Time Frames and Long Odds

A space-travel technology, simple in concept, has been frustratingly difficult to realize

Ready to Rove: Curiosity Project Scientist Lays Out Mars Tour Plans

After engineers run a months-long setup of the Mars Science Laboratory, now parked in a crater, scientists will take the rover on a nearly two-year journey that includes a visit to a six-kilometer-high mountain...

Novel Analysis Confirms Climate "Hockey Stick" Graph

A new analysis creates a better look at rising temperatures

Stumbling Over Data: Mistakes Fuel Climate-Warming Skeptics

Do minor errors erode public support on climate issues?

Can "Assisted Migration" Save Species from Global Warming?

As the world warms up, some species cannot move to cooler climes in time to survive. Camille Parmesan thinks humans should help even if it means creating invasive species

Planck Satellite Mission Set to Explore Cosmic Secrets

Planck mission promises to pierce inflation and other cosmic secrets

The Sun Will Eventually Engulf Earth--Maybe

Researchers debate whether Earth will be swallowed by the sun as it expands into a red giant billions of years from now

Dark Forces at Work

Ten years ago two teams discovered that the universe will expand forever at an ever faster rate, thanks to an unseen energy. The leader of one of the groups, Saul Perlmutter, expects that new observations will soon illuminate the universe's dark side...

Discovering a Dark Universe: A Q&A with Saul Perlmutter

Dark energy is pushing the universe apart at an ever faster rate. Astrophysicist Saul Perlmutter recounts the experimental approaches he took to make that discovery

Repairs without Rivets

Carbon-fiber composites could lead to quick fixes for old bridges

Toxic Bulbs

Recycling rules vary for mercury-containing fluorescents

Easing Jitters when Buildings Rumble

After natural disasters, an anxious public wants to see that someone understands the catastrophe. For California quakes, seismologist Lucy Jones does the job

Behind the Hockey Stick

Seven years ago Michael Mann introduced a graph that became an iconic symbol of humanity's contribution to global warming. He has been defending his science ever since

Father of Spirit and Opportunity

With the success of twin rovers on the Red Planet, Steven W. Squyres and his team are showing how to conduct robotic missions--and setting the stage for human exploration

The Darkening Earth

Less sun at the Earth's surface complicates climate models

Shattered Glass

Seeking the densest matter: the color glass condensate

Dream Machine

Hopes for a giant collider lie in a worldwide appeal

High Prize for Low Temperatures